How to Remove a Stain From Travertine Tile

Mary Ylisela

Travertine tile is made from a type of limestone. Its neutral shades of tan, white and cream add classic appeal to your home. Because travertine is a natural stone and porous in nature, it absorbs stains into the stone rather than having them only affect the surface. Removing stains from travertine quickly before they have a chance to be absorbed is the best way in which to deal with them. If a stain is absorbed into your tile, you can still remove it completely by drawing the stain out.

Step 1

Soak up liquid from the stain with paper towels. Remove as much from the surface as possible before working on the stain.

Step 2

Mix a few drops of mild dish-washing detergent with warm water in a bucket. Wet a sponge with the soapy solution before squeezing it out. Wipe the surface of your travertine tile to remove the stain from the surface.

Step 3

Pour 1 cup diatomaceous earth in a bowl. Mix in enough of one of the following liquids to make a thick, peanut-butter-like paste: water for greasy stains, hydrogen peroxide for organic stains, ammonia for biological stains and commercial rust remover for rust stains. Stir the two ingredients together with a spoon.

Step 4

Cover the site of the stain with the paste using a rubber spatula. Apply the paste so it's at least 1/2-inch thick and goes beyond the edges of the stain. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the paste.

Step 5

Allow the paste to sit on your travertine tile until it dries. Peel off the plastic wrap and remove the dried paste with your spatula.

Step 6

Dampen a clean cloth and wipe the travertine tiles. Dry with another clean cloth.